The March Simply Earth essential oil recipe box brought with it a few surprises. Not only did I discover amyris essential oil for the first time, I also learned a few other interesting things when making my amyris essential oil recipes. Keep reading to learn about the the usage and benefits of amyris essential oil. Plus discover the natural amyris essential oil recipes I tried.

About Amyris Essential Oil

To be honest, before receiving amyris essential oil in my Simply Earth essential oil recipe box, I’d never heard of it. I literally had to look it up. As it turns out, this thick, viscous essential oil is often used as an affordable alternative to sandalwood essential oil. Known as West Indian Sandalwood – though it’s not actually related to sandalwood – amyris essential oil boasts a rich, warm woody aroma that blends well with a number of other essential oils. These essential oils include cedarwood, citronella, conifer oils (like balsam fir or pine), cypress, frankincense, geranium, jasmine absolute, lavender, lemon, oakmoss, patchouli, sweet orange, tangerine, ho wood, rose absolute, vetiver, ylang ylang and sandalwood.

Considered generally safe for use, amyris essential oil is nontoxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. Despite this, it should still be diluted with a carrier oil for topical use. (A patch test on skin is recommended prior to use.) Additionally, it is important to note that amyris essential oil is not intended for oral consumption. And, as with other essential oils, always consult a medical professional if you are pregnant or nursing prior to use.

Amyris Essential Oil Usage & Benefits

Amyris essential oil has a number of uses and benefits. It’s commonly used as a fixative in perfume recipes in addition to a number of other cosmetic and therapeutic applications.

Studies show that amyris essential oil has antiseptic, sedative, decongestant and emollient properties. In addition, researchers have also found that amyris oil contains potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Specifically, it’s effective against 12 strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria. These include Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella paratyphi, as well as Candida albicans fungi.Due to this oil’s high emerol content, it also makes an effective insect repellent. Not only does it deter biting insects, such as mosquitoes, it also repels brown dog ticks, blacklegged ticks and lone star ticks.

Due to its inherent properties, amyris essential oil is well suited for natural remedies that support the immune system. They also make this oil a beneficial ingredient in recipe formulations that focus on calming the mind, relaxing muscles and aiding with sleep. So it’s no surprise that amyris essential oil offers a variety of aromatherapeutic benefits that aid with both sleep and common illnesses such as colds and flu.

Simply Earth Essential Oil Box

Now that you’re caught up on the basic ins and outs of amyris essential oil, I want to share a few highlights that can be found inside the March Simply Earth essential oil box.

Not only does the March box come with a bottle of amyris essential oil, three other essential oils are also included. They are blood orange essential oil, coriander essential oil and a digest essential oil blend which aids with nausea, bloating and gas. (If you’re new to Simply Earth’s essential oil boxes, you can learn more about what’s inside and how they give back to the community here.)

There are also a number of great essential oil recipes. These recipes include the following:

Digest Essential Oil Rollerball Recipe

Mood Lifting Essential Oil Diffuser Blend Recipe

Anxiety Away Essential Oil Inhaler Recipe

Magnesium Whipped Body Butter Recipe

Magnesium Oil Sleep Spray Recipe

Essential Oil Sickness Support Bath Soak Recipe

My two favorite essential oil recipes from the March box were the sickness support bath soak recipe and the magnesium oil sleep spray recipe. Both of these recipes use amyris essential oil as a key ingredient. You can learn how to make two amyris essential oil recipes from the March Simply Earth box below. Or subscribe to Simple Earth now! (A la carte essential oils and other materials including containers, carrier oils and diffusers are also available for sale without a subscription.)

Easy Amyris Essential Oil Recipes

Magnesium Oil Sleep Spray Recipe

Magnesium oil is not an oil. Believe it or not, I had no idea. I was also somewhat skeptical about an external application of magnesium oil actually helping with pain and sleep issues caused by fibromyalgia. Once, I tried this recipe, however, I was stoked to find it helps not just with sleep. It also calmed the fibro flare ups I’ve been having in my wrists and arms lately. Pain that often makes it difficult to type. Simply spray it on and massage in.

This magnesium oil sleep spray recipe does contain water. However, the magnesium flakes (a salt) used in this recipe naturally preserve the water. Therefore no additional preservative is needed.

Notes about the recipe.

Magnesium flakes are included in the Simply Earth essential oil box. However, you will want to purchase more magnesium flakes, along with the fractionated coconut oil (available from Simply Earth), once the supply they send runs out.

Because I live with fibromyalgia, I did make a substitution in this recipe. Instead of water, I used witch hazel for its anti-inflammatory properties. While you dissolve the magnesium flakes in boiling water, I was able to dissolve them in the witch hazel by simply stirring the two ingredients together.

Sickness Support Bath Soak Recipe

Simply Earth’s sickness support bath soak recipe is wonderful not just for boosting immunity to fight off illnesses, it also can help with sore muscles and body aches associated with the flu. It’s also effective at calming your body as well as relieving nausea or a distressed digestive system.

Made using amyris essential oil and magnesium flakes, this homemade detoxifying bath soak recipe also contains Epsom salt (not provided) and lavender buds (included.) As this bath soak recipe is diluted in bath water, I actually doubled the amount of essential oils called for in the recipe. (By the way, this smells absolutely AMAZING!)

Instructions:

Using a separate glass bowl, combine the essential oils with the fractionated coconut.

Now add the salt mixture to the oils and mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated throughout the bath soak.

Then mix in the dried lavender buds. Spoon the bath soak into a small glass jar or container until ready for use.

To use, simply pour the entire contents of the bath soak into warm running bath water.

Can’t wait to get started using this amazing essential oil? Subscribe to Simply Earth today! Use coupon code: SOAPDELIFREE to get a free bonus box with your first order. Plus receive a gift card for $20 off your next order!

For more simple essential oils recipes, sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter to discover more of my original beauty and skin care recipes and projects to try throughout the new year! You can also follow me on facebook, twitter, pinterest and instagram.

Creating simple essential oil recipes for your home, health and beauty is easier than think. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Keep reading to discover how you can get started making your own products at an affordable price with no special equipment to buy!

There’s a universal truth about soapmaking. And it’s not really one we’re aware of until we actually devote ourselves to becoming soapmakers head on. It’s not a cheap hobby. In fact, getting started can require a pretty hefty investment. Throw in beauty and skin care recipes and you accidentally blew your entire grocery budget for the month. Even those DIY kits from soapmaking suppliers can run on the high side. I’ve seen a few that were over $100. And they only make a single recipe. Add essential oils to the mix and it can get expensive AF pretty quickly.

So why can’t there be an affordable way to explore multiple arenas of making simple essential oil recipes for home, health and beauty?

What is Simply Earth?

Simply Earth is exactly what its name implies. Simple, plant based ingredients for crafting simple essential oil recipes for home, health and beauty. A monthly essential oil subscription box, Simply Earth provides you with everything you need to make simple essential oil recipes when you join. From the packaging and containers – like roller balls and lip balm tubes – to ingredients and recipe cards. There are even stickers for your finished products!

If I were ever to do an unboxing video, Simply Earth would be the box I’d start with. My lack of patience for such things aside, the monthly essential oil boxes from Simply Earth are, well, simply stunning. Beautifully packaged for both presentation and care, Simply Earth is everything one can hope for in a DIY essential oil box. In fact, the very first time I learned about Simply Earth, I knew I had to get one for myself!

And here we are.

What makes Simply Earth so amazing?

I received the January box from Simply Earth and can’t say enough great things about it. What makes it so amazing? Well, I’ll tell you.

1. It saves space.

If you’ve ever purchased materials in bulk for a project you know how much space they can take up. Living in a tiny *almost* studio sized apartment, I understand how important it is to save on space. So if you end up with a massive amount of containers and ingredients for a project you only plan to make once, it’s a challenge to find room for the leftover supplies. With Simply Earth you get all the materials you need in a SINGLE box for multiple recipes. There are still ingredients like essential oils, carrier oils and even beeswax leftover to use in future essential oil recipes. However, they aren’t going to take up three shelves in your cabinet.

2. You save money.

As previously mentioned, getting started with essential oils as well making natural home, health and beauty recipes can be costly. With Simply Earth, your up front costs are minimal. And with each new monthly essential oil box, you can make multiple new projects. All for an affordable price that fits most budgets. So creating your own simple essential oil recipes is fun, affordable and easy. It also makes it easy to grow your essential oil collection over time. Plus, all of the essential oils from Simply Earth have been tested and proven pure. So you know you’re getting a quality product.

3. You don’t need to buy any special equipment.

Most of my own natural beauty and skin care recipes require you purchase a digital scale for weighing out ingredients. Or you may need a special mold. However, if you aren’t a serious soapmaker, or just want a basic introduction to new ingredients, Simply Earth gives you just that. Everything you need to get started with no special equipment to buy. Plus there are six, brand new simple essential oil recipes to make each month.

4. It makes learning accessible.

Most of us have busy lives. And while we love learning new things, sometimes starting a new hobby or project can seem overwhelming – as well as time consuming. The essential oil boxes from Simply Earth introduce you to new essential oils slowly over time. So it’s easy to build on your knowledge and learn about the health and beauty benefits of essential oils. Plus, each of the simple essential oil recipes found in Simply Earth boxes can be made in around ten minutes or less. This allows you to take time out for self care while also creating something new that fits perfectly into your healthy lifestyle.

6. Simply Earth boxes are fun for everyone.

Not only is Simply Earth fun for you, it’s also fun for the family. Their products are suitable for most ages including tweens and up. So you can enjoy learning about new essential oils as a family. Or, explore your new essential oil box from Simply Earth with friends or coworkers. (These boxes make great gifts too!)

7. They donate to charity.

Finally, Simply earth donates 13% of their profits to organizations that work to end human trafficking.

Inside my Simply Earth essential oil box.

I received Simply Earth’s January essential oil box for my very first box along with a free big bonus box. Inside were the ingredients and essential oils to make the following products (along with recipe cards.)

My favorite essential oil recipe for January from Simply Earth is the relaxing textured massage bar with tapioca pearls. While my favorite essential oil this month is the Farewell Scars essential oil blend. (I love that information about the benefits of each essential oil or essential oil blend can be found on the back of the recipe cards!)

Get your essential oil box from Simply Earth!

I can’t wait to receive next month’s essential oil box from Simply Earth! The theme for February is natural makeup. Not only will this box contain six simple essential oil recipes for natural makeup, it will also include the following essential oils and blends: Beauty Within, Geranium, Coffee and Copaiba. Plus there are bonus items like eye makeup containers and natural colorants!

If you’re excited as I was when I first learned about Simply Earth, then make sure you start your monthly subscription! Not only will you receive a free bonus box, you’ll also get a gift card $20 off your next order when you use coupon code: SOAPDELIFREE If a monthly box doesn’t fit your budget, no worries. You can opt in to receive a quarterly essential oils box with six simple essential oil recipes instead. Or, it’s easy to skip a box or cancel your subscription for any reason! Get started now!

For more simple essential oils recipes, sign up my semi-weekly newsletter to discover more of my original beauty and skin care recipes and projects to try throughout the new year! You can also follow me on facebook and instagram.

Enjoy all of the wonderful health and wellness benefits of essential oils by starting with this practical (and less expensive) best essential oil blend for colds and flu. Saving you money so you can breathe easy in more ways than one!

Essential oils don’t have to be expensive.

If you love the idea of essential oils and their potential aromatherapeutic benefits, but aren’t sure where to start, read this! I know many of us have wanted to purchase essential oils in the past. Especially for practical uses throughout the winter season. However, essential oils can be expensive when buying several at one time. Or, you may not want to make a huge investment on essential oils that end up going to waste. You can easily solve this dilemma by purchasing a single essential oil blend. And, as it’s cold and flu season, I’m sharing with you the best essential oil blend for colds and flu to get you started!

I’m SO sick.

We’ve all had those days. Those days where you’re so sick it feels like it will never end. You’ve caught some virus that’s in the midst of throwing down seriously bad voodoo. You can’t breathe. And when you talk, your friends think you’re using a voice changing app to sound like Darth Vader.

The next thing you know you find yourself on Facebook out of sheer boredom. Moments away from pulling the “I’m dying over here” card for sympathy. But you don’t. Because even though you are way sicker than your significant other has ever been in his life, you know that to say that would mean sinking down to that man level cry for sympathy. And you’re a strong badass woman. (Most of the time.)

This is exactly how I’ve felt since Christmas. I’ve had a cough for days. One of those body wrenching coughs that leaves your back sore and your throat raw.

And I’ve been fighting this illness with cough medicine that’s somehow supposed to suppress my cough while also helping me expel mucous at the same time. (How does that work exactly?) Not to mention cough medicine makes me loopy AF. So when my friend and fellow blogger, Cari, suggested that I diffuse essential oils to help, I was blown away by how easy it is to miss the obvious when you’re completely out of it.

Diffusing essential oils for an illness – without a diffuser.

Somehow, however, I’ve managed to make it 43 years on earth without ever once owning an essential oil diffuser. Which, considering my occupation, seems dubious, I know. Of course, I’m not about to make shower steamers when standing is a challenge. So Cari suggested I add a few drops of essential oil to my shower. Now that I could swing. (I mean if all else fails, sitting in the shower is completely plausible.)

So I chose to go with eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils for my (very late) morning shower. I turned the shower head on, let the water get hot then added a few drops of tea tree oil to end of the tub. Next, I followed with some eucalyptus essential oil. Except, oops. I’d taken the dropper out of that bottle and didn’t check before the pour. Therefore, instead of a few drops of eucalyptus to open up my airways, I ended up with more like a teaspoon of eo swimming in the bottom of my tub.

Of course, like any other completely normal totally sick person, I figured it couldn’t hurt. I could barely smell it anyway.

So I showered and inhaled and rinsed and inhaled and at some point I started to actually breathe normally again.

Then Greg came home.

Now the apartment we live in is crazy small. It’s basically the size of a studio apartment but with actual rooms. So my shower basically turned into a giant essential oil diffuser for the entire pad. And when Greg walked through the door he literally took a step back.

Where my overkill of eucalyptus oil had helped to open up my sinuses, it had the opposite effect on him. Greg kept saying “he couldn’t breathe” over and over again. He then went out to the truck to wait for me.

Wait. What?!

Yep. We took a trip to BJ’s Wholesale so the apartment could air out.

So where Greg’s version of events is that I tried to suffocate him. My version is that I was simply disinfecting the entire apartment. Naturally, of course. In one easy step.

The Best Essential Oil Blend for Colds & Flu

There are a number of common essential oils you can diffuse for colds and flu. These include eucalyptus essential oil (obviously) ravintsara essential oil, peppermint essential oil, rosemary essential oil, tea tree essential oil, clove bud essential oil and white fir essential oil. However, buying all of these essential oils at once, or even additional essential oils to create a pleasing essential oil blend for your diffuser, isn’t always cost effective for most people. Therefore, if you only dabble in aromatherapy from time to time, or if you are just starting out, sometimes the easiest and most affordable option is to start with a ready made essential oil blend.

Because so many of us are forced indoors during the winter months, we are more likely to become exposed to these germs by our close proximity with others who may be sick. Therefore, Spark Naturals formulated their proprietary best essential oil blend for colds and flu to offer some protection against common germs. Made using a combination of peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon and clove essential oils, their Respire essential oil blend also helps with both cold and flu symptoms in addition to common respiratory issues such as congestion.

How to use an essential oil blend for colds and flu.

You can use 5-10 drops of this essential oil blend for colds and flu in an essential oil diffuser in your home. Or try about 10 drops in a bowl of steaming water with a towel draped over your head. Alternately, you can also add around 10 drops of this essential oil to your shower to enjoy the benefits. (Just don’t make the same mistake I did!)

Spark Naturals also offers a base salve that’s already premade for adding in your choice of essential oils. This is especially useful if you don’t have the space or funds to purchase extra ingredients in bulk. In addition, you can also purchase several pre-made essential oil salves containing the same high quality essential oils for a variety of other health ailments including anxiety and trouble sleeping. Their 8-pack salve sampler is a super affordable way to explore the health benefits of essential oils.

The end result.

Truth be told, I feel a LOT better today after flooding our apartment with tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. And while Greg may not be quite as thrilled about how I handled my own sick care, he’s pleasantly surprised that my shower diffuser experiment eradicated the dog smell from my aging (super stinky) dachshund, Jasper, from the apartment.

Do you have a favorite recipe for an essential oil blend that you love using in your home? I’d love for you to share it with me and my readers in the comments! (It’s always so wonderful to be able to learn from one another, don’t you think?)

In the meantime, sign up my semi-weekly (meaning sometimes every week and occasionally every other week) newsletter to discover more great health and wellness tips and skin care recipes.

There are a number of ways to boost your immune system naturally before you get sick. With a deadly flu going around, not to mention all the other illnesses we’re more likely to acquire when our body is worn down, you really don’t want to take chances.

Boosting your body’s immunity however does more than just help deter illnesses. It can also help your body respond better to stress as well as lead to a more restful night’s sleep. And as a busy mom or a career driven rockstar, those are both things we can all use. I know I can.

So whether the kids are bringing home germs from school, your coworkers are passing a bug around the office or you’re simply feeling puny, here are five easy ways you can boost your immune system naturally for overall wellness.

How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally (5 Products to Buy Right Now!)

1. Mushrooms, Turmeric + Astragalus

I have two herbal supplements that I take daily to help boost my immunity. The first is Gaia Herbs Mushroom + Herbs Everyday Immune which contains a potent combination of mushrooms (Maitake, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps) and herbs like turmeric and astragalus that have been seen to work at the cellular level.

About Chaga Mushrooms

The Chaga mushroom is commonly found on Birch trees throughout the colder climates of the Northern hemisphere. Historically consumed for centuries in the East as a tea, this powerful antioxidant rich mushroom is rich in Beta-D-Glucans which help to balance the body’s immune system response. Additionally, Chaga is also used to supports the body’s response to modern cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, by compensating for the negative side effects.

In addition, it’s also believe that Chaga can soothe pain associated with neuropathy and diabetes. As such this herbal supplement has been a key component in my overall health as someone who has struggled with fibromyalgia.

Other health benefits include its support for healthy blood pressure and cholesterol – Chaga is able to break down LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol in the bloodstream – as well as offering support for gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers.

About Turmeric

Turmeric, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, contains curcumin which is also believed to have anticancer properties. There have been over 2000 studies and a phase 1 cancer trial in the UK that have shown curcumin can help to prevent several forms of cancer including breast, lung, stomach, liver, and colon cancer.

About Astragalus

Astragalus, a perennial flowering plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine as an adaptogen, also aids in fighting off stress and disease. Continuing research suggests that astragalus boosts immunity, acts as an anti-inflammatory, aids in the proper regulation of insulation and related illnesses, can slow tumor growth and protects the cardiovascular system.

2. Ashwagandha Root

The other herbal supplement that I take daily is Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root. Ashwagandha root, like astragalus, is another adaptogenic herb. It helps to nourish and restore optimal nervous and immune system health by normalizing mood, energy levels, and overall immune function.

For me, ashwagandha root helps immensely with my physical response to anxiety. Additionally, in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is used for its “grounding” properties for those with a high Vata as it aids in calming the mind and promoting restful sleep.

Further, this highly nutritional herb assists in maintaining proper body nourishment while also supporting proper function of the adrenals. Ashwagandha is especially beneficial to seniors in need of a nourishing, natural source of energy.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are another easy, natural way to boost your immune system naturally. A must for a healthy gut, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that aid a healthy digestive system.

Studies show that probiotics can help with issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and both infectious and antibiotic related diarrhea. While others have also experienced relief from skin conditions such as eczema.

Additional benefits include improved oral, vaginal and urinary health. And of course, for many people, probiotics also aid in the prevention of allergies and colds.

Because I need a healthy multi-vitamin I can trust in addition to probiotics, I take Garden of Life’s Vitamin Code Women’s Multivitamin. This product contains a blend of a raw organic fruits & vegetables, a raw probiotic & enzyme blend and a raw antioxidant & immune support complex. Additional ingredients include vitamins that support breast health, a woman’s reproductive system and bone strength.

Purchase these herbal supplements and other natural food & health products at substantial savings from Thrive Market and get 25% off your first order!

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Drinking raw apple cider vinegar daily, either as a shot or as part of a tonic, is another great way to boost your immune system naturally. You know the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, because raw apple cider isn’t pasteurized and still contains the “mother” it maintains many of the same nutritional benefits as the unfermented fruit. When apples are then fermented to produce apple cider vinegar, it produces a number of beneficial enzymes including natural probiotics that boost your overall wellness and immunity.

Additionally, raw apple cider is also rich in malic acid. Malic acid is naturally anti-viral and therefore it can help to prevent colds caused by viruses as well as hasten your recovery should you get sick.

Apple cider vinegar further aids in digestion, can help you to maintain a healthy weight, assists in regulating blood sugar and can even lower blood pressure. All of these things promote good health and can make your body more able to fend off illnesses.

I am a huge fan of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. Not only has this brand been around for a really long time, but you can also find it easily at most grocery and health food stores as well as online. Further, there is also a holistic book published by Melissa Bragg called Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle Health System that help you get the most out of this superfood.

5. Essential Oils

Aromatherapeutic use of essential oils are another way to boost your immune system naturally. In addition to managing stress, getting sufficient rest and maintaining proper nutrition, essential oils can also help to protect your body from germs.

Not only can you use essential oils to ease stress and calm your mind through aromatherapy, but certain essential oils also have strong antiviral and antibiotic properties. When using these essential oils with a diffuser, they can help to combat the airborne spread of germs. Some of these essential oils include clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, lemon, oregano and peppermint.

I also especially like Spark Naturals Shield essential oil blend for this purpose. This natural essential oil blend is created from a combination of blend of clove, cinnamon bark, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils. Inspired by grave robbers during the plague in 15th century England, this blend was historically believed to protect them from illness when robbing dead plague victims.

This article is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Information on products mentioned are based on my own personal experience and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult a physician prior to making any changes that may impact your health.

Learn how to make your own aromatherapy roll on recipe for rest and relaxation! Plus other natural alternatives to help you get a restful night’s sleep.

Prescription Sleep Aids Can Be Scary

Whether it’s through pure exhaustion coupled with stress, insomnia or changing hormones, a question I often hear is “How do I get a good night’s sleep?” Automatically turning to big pharma for the answer can be quite terrifying these days. From drugs like Ambien that have side effects that include sleepwalking and even sleep-sex and other drugs such as trazodone, an anti-depressant often prescribed to help with sleep, has side effects that range from constipation to feeling like you threw one too many back the night before.

And of course none of these drugs actually help to root out just why we are having difficulty getting a good night’s rest. They simply offer a temporary solution that continue the cycle and can cause additional problems.

It’s no wonder that, as we become more aware of our health concerns and the potential dangers of slapping on a band-aid, that more and more people are seeking out natural solutions for their sleep issues. From smoking marijuana in addition to other natural supplements, as well as exercise, yoga and even meditation, there are natural sleep remedies that offer the benefit of better sleep without compromising your health.

It was only a year ago, when I was still working my day job prior to taking the leap into writing full time, that I actually ended up with TMJ from grinding my teeth so hard at night. So while I was sleeping, I wasn’t getting quality sleep and a big part of that was related to a high stress period in my life.

So I wasn’t at all surprised when last week, while having a conversation after my mammogram and checking out the difference between last year’s scans and this year’s with the new 3-D imaging, that our conversation naturally fell onto the topic of sleep during perimenopause and menopause.

I had been discussing my fibromyalgia with the mammography technologist and the improvements I’d made through holistic medicine. And it came around to how I handled not only sleeping through the night, but how I actually got a good night’s rest when my pain level would spike. In turn, she indicated that she also had trouble sleeping through the night since menopause hit and it led to an entire conversation on restful sleep. Or rather in our case, restless sleep.

She had been taking Benadryl at night in order to sleep. An option that’s considered safe for those not wanting to take something stronger and potentially scarier medications, some that come with the risk of addiction.

However, she was at the point that she was genuinely uncomfortable taking Benadryl every night. So we discussed the herbs and vitamin supplements I was taking and she was excited to look into more natural options.

What If I Don’t Want to Take Supplements?

If you prefer to avoid supplements altogether, then it is first important to consider whether your body is deficient in any vitamins and minerals that can affect your sleep. You’ll also need to root out the cause and determine if it can be tackled without herbs or supplements. (A holistic counselor can be extremely beneficial in this case.)

If it can, then exercise, yoga and meditation are great options. You can also use aromatherapy for an extra little push. However, if you find you do need something more to get you through a particularly stressful period, I do share some of the herbal supplements I’ve tried with success further down.

Learn How to Make an Aromatherapy Roll On

However, I’d first like to share a simple aromatherapy roll on recipe that can help to promote rest and relaxation. Because an aromatherapy roll on isn’t a product that is taken internally, you can easily combo this aromatherapeutic sleep remedy with other natural remedies that work for you.

To use, apply your aromatherapy roll on to the crown of your head, on your temples, between your eyebrows or behind your earlobes. Other essential oils that help to promote sleep include Roman chamomile and marjoram essential oils.

As quality organic herbs and supplements can be difficult to purchase regularly on a tight budget, I shop through Thrive Market for the best prices on not only my herbal supplements but also on organic dry food staples, homeopathic medicines and even skin care products. (When you sign up for Thrive Market you also get 25% off your first order with free shipping on all orders $49 or more.)

This article is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Information on products mentioned are based on my own personal experience and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult a physician prior to making any changes that may impact your health.